The National Hydroelectric Power producing Areas Development Commission ( N-HYPPADEC) has reinstated its commitment to collaborates with riverine communities under its mandate to promote and preserve their cultural and traditional activities for peaceful coexistence among ethnic groups for a better society.
The managing Director of the commission , Alhaji Abubakar Sediq Yelwa disclosed this at the weekend in Lokoja at the 6th edition of Lokoja boat regatta annual festival .
Alhaji Yelwa who was represented by the commission's Director of Finance and Administration, Jimoh Haruna Gabi says that African has a rich culture which knitted all ethnic nationalities together that need to be encouraged and preserved to make implementation of policies possible, with positive impact .
He said : "Culture is a way of life that serves as a tonic of development; if it's encouraged and preserved, it breeds unity, cooperation, understanding for peaceful living.
"It makes people adhere to rules of laws and reduces vices in the society; besides making implementation of policies feasible and impactful.
The commission disclosed further that it's working out a safety measures to strengthen the activities of inland waterways in attempt of its management and operatives to mitigate incessant accidents on water ways in the country.
"The agency is collaborating with other management and enforcement agencies of waterways to ensure that boat operators works within stipulated safety guide lines to reduce avoidable mishaps on water ways within its mandate .
"Towards ensuring an accident- free navigation on waterways under its mandate, the commission has embarked on implementation of various interventions in riverine communities, providing safety jackets , modern fibre speed boats, motorcycles and empowerment, including conducting trainings for boat users and operators", Gabi said.
However, the commission commiserated with the family of the victims of the recent boat accident at Onugwa in Ibaji local government area in the state , stressing that more measures are being worked out to reduce such carnage in the waterways in the nearest future .
In his remarks , the chairman of the Lokoja boat regatta, Barrister Naseer A Ahmed , Dan Danmsn Lokoja said the annual festival was an avenue to showcase the rich culture of Lokoja ethnic extractions and its environs.
Barrister Ahmed says for meaningful impact within and global community, he called on kogi state government, kogites within and diaspora to partner with the Lokoja Boat Regatta committee to expand its programmes in order to attract foreign tourists for better deal.
"I request that the state government takes over the sponsorship of the annual Lokoja boat regatta to showcase our products to give a national outlook", he said.
Earlier, the chairman Forum of Patriots, the organizer of the event since 2017 , Alhaji Idris Baba'Ango says, among others, the aims include: to re-awake and promote cultural heritage ; to enhance local economic development and to foster unity and social interaction among diverse ethnic groups in the riverine communities within Lokoja local government.
"Lokoja's strength lies in its diversity, and this regatta is a celebration of that enduring unity", said Baba'Ango
The Kogi State Governor who was represented by Alhaji Baba Inusa commended the Lokoja Forum for its contributions towards the revival of our cultural heritage for a better society.
Senator Tunde Ogbeha, Patron of the Forum, praised the organizers for their dedication and consistency, describing the boat regatta as "a unifying cultural event that promotes peace, tourism, and inter-community relations in Lokoja and Kogi State at large".
The occasion which attracted dignities from all walks of life, within and outside the state has His Royal Highness(HRH) , Alhaji Muhammed Sanni, the Angankyu of Kakanda as the Royal Father of the Day.
The highlight of the occasion was the presentation of several prizes and awards winning groups at the regatta competing activities.
While Adankolo Group won the Boat Decoration Contest; Lokoja Ward B Team clinched Swimming Competition, and Eggan Ward emerged winner in the Female Boat Paddling Category. Also, Kabawa Youth Boat Club won Speedboat Race, while the Lokoja Waterfront Cultural Troupe received the Best Cultural Performance Award.